CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
CV’s Music Man Honored in DC
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Castro Valley School of Music owner and audio producer Shane Sharkey got a welcome blast from the past last week when some of his earliest work was exhibited at the Library of Congress.
The Library, home to some of America’s cultural treasures, on Thursday, June 27, honored Shane and others who had created the House of Blues Radio Hour from 1993 to 2010. Hosted by actor Dan Akroyd in his film persona as Elwood Blues from “The Blues Brothers,” the show featured live performances and interviews from more than 1,000 blues musicians. With some of those musicians now passed away, the House of Blues archives preserve the oral histories of many of those who created and continued a uniquely American musical form.
Sharkey conducted many of those interviews in his first job out of college at San Francisco State and helped produce the show as well as choosing some of the performers.
Castro Valley’s Shane Sharkey and his children visited Washington, D.C. for the first time last week, but the occasion was the Library of Congress honoring the music school owner. From left are, Olivia, Shane, Grady and Madison.
Among those he interviewed were pianist Mose Allison, John Lee Hooker, BB King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and, for good measure, two members of the progressive rock band Phish, known for their extended music jams.
“It’s amazing it’s being preserved,” Sharkey told the Forum. “Some of the most important people in American music are in there. Their contributions were enormous in inspiring other people to create music.”
The Library of Congress will digitize the interviews and performances and make them available to anyone via the Internet. While the work is ongoing, readers can follow its progress on the library’s see DC on page 4
Action
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
If Alameda County expects to take climate change seriously, it must talk less and do more to develop a safe, connected, and continuous bicycle and pedestrian network, bike advocates said last week. At the Unincorporated Alameda County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (UCBPAC) meeting on June 27, county planning department representatives presented the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and Safety Element Update. The 149-page report outlines ideas for getting people out of their cars, encouraging mass transit, biking, and walking, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving sustainability. see UCBPAC on page 4
Odor Permeates Public Market Neighborhood
By Corinne Davidson SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
The fire is out. The cleanup has begun. But neighbors are noticing a rotting smell coming from the Lake Chabot Public Market since it burned out in a fire at the end of May.
On May 30, 2024, a devastating three-alarm fire engulfed the Lake Chabot Public Market, collapsing the roof and destroying six businesses. Hans Cho, owner of Mama Cho’s BBQ and whose family owns the Public Market, confirmed in June that there is a plan to
rebuild, though no timeline has been announced.
Even after the clean-up work and the removal of the source of the fire and affected objects, there is often a smell of burning in the air. The smell may come from burnt furniture, textiles, and even walls, floors, and ceilings.
However, while debris is being cleared from the wreckage, neighbors like Kalvin Pespitro say the smell coming from the debris smelled like “something was decomposing” and was becoming “unbearable.”
“I know that the building
recently suffered from a fire, but the smell has been like that for the past few weeks now,” Pespitro told the Forum on June 18. In addition to writing letters to the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (CV MAC) and a few other politicians, he added that he filed a complaint with Alameda County Health (ACHEALTH).
In an email from ACHEALTH obtained by the Forum, the county’s Environmental Health Department team noted that the business “has been directed to apply for a permit see ODOR on page 3
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SHARKEY FAMILY
Neighbors are noticing a rotting smell coming from the Lake Chabot Public Market since it burned out in a fire at the end of May.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER
Moon Phases
Brain Awareness Important at All Ages; Get Your Screening
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Being more aware of our brains and how they can change as we get older is important, says Dr. Han Lee of Kaiser Permanente, who has done his best to spread that word around during June’s Brain Awareness Month.
Dr. Lee, a neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist who focuses on Alzheimer’s, says someone is diagnosed with it in America once every 65 seconds. The neurodegenerative brain disease impacts 1 in 9 Americans aged 65 and older, an estimated 6.9 million people, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The disease produces enormous strains on families, medically, emotionally, and often financially, along with other neurological disorders, costing the economy an estimated $800 million annually, Dr. Lee notes. Thankfully, treatments are starting to emerge. “Get-
ting information out is critical. Collectively, we can move mountains in the U.S.,” Dr. Lee said.
Two things Dr. Lee would like people to know are that some things people worry could be Alzheimer’s often aren’t and that even if they are, treatments are beginning to emerge for a disease once thought not only incurable but barely treatable.
“If you ask someone to pick up milk and bread at the store, and they forget one or the other but realize they forgot something, that’s completely normal,” he said. “But if they don’t recall the request at all, that may not be.”
Signs of early Alzheimer’s that are worth looking out for are making strange decisions, getting lost in familiar places, and personality changes, he said.
The first step in looking into Alzheimer’s concerns is talking with your general practitioner.
“They can do screening tests. We need to rule out things that can be fixed and aren’t Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Lee noted, adding that some medical conditions can mimic typical Alzheimer’s symptoms but are treatable and often completely curable.
Following a screening test, treatments that boost neurotransmitters in brains and protect memory to some degree can be discussed. He said some also clean out harmful plaque already in people’s brains.
While the first generation of Alzheimer’s drugs may have considerable side effects, Dr. Lee says later generations should work better with lessened side effects available in about two years.
Recommendations for preventing Alzheimer’s range from staying mentally active throughout life, wearing a helmet while biking or skating helps protect the brain and see BRAIN on page 10
Hendee Named New Canyon Middle School New Principal
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Longtime Castro Valley music teacher and administrator Steve Hendee has been named Canyon Middle School’s new principal.
At its meeting on June 12, the Castro Valley Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Hendee to the post. He replaces April Wong, who had been principal at Canyon since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hendee most recently served as the assistant principal at
Castro Valley High School (CVHS) for the past three years. During this time, he coordinated the school-wide Multi-Tiered Support System and supported Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
These programs resulted in guiding the staff and supporting the students.
In addition, Hendee assumed the role of co-principal at CVHS summer school and has also served as the co-chair of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in his previous school district.
Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Hendee has devoted himself to instrumental music, successfully conducting several student ensembles and collaborating with staff and parents to establish a strong and comprehensive music program. Hendee earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Education from California State University, Hayward. Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi praised Hendee for his commitment to Castro Valley schools and noted he is a “wonderful addition to the team at Canyon supporting students.”
As of last Thursday, a pungent smell was still noticeable from the sidewalk adjacent to the Public Market, but not much further than a block from the site.
Odor: Pungent Smell Still Noticeable
continued from front page with the Building Department and implement demolition of the site.”
Separately, Alameda County Assistant Planning Director Edward Labayog said he met with the Cho family to discuss next steps.
COMPILED
BY
MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Parolee with Drugss
Sunday, June 30: At 11:12 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 36-year-old CV man on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine drugs and violating the terms of his parole. The man was spotted in front of a home on North 6th Street near Grove Way when deputies stopped him and discovered his stash. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Drunk Driver, Passenger Arrested
about a suspicious person on Babcock Court near Marshall Street and found the woman outside a home. The woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken to a sobering center.
Sex Offender With Stolen Property
Joy Ride Ends in Three Arrests
As of last Thursday, a pungent smell was still noticeable from the sidewalk adjacent to the Public Market, but not much further than a block from the site. In the meantime, public support has increased
“They have an environmental crew on site, and they are starting to clear out the freezers,” Labayog said. “According to them, this should be done in the next couple of days, and the odor should be eliminated. We will monitor the site. Please let us know if the smell persists in the coming days.”
for the Cho family and the various business owners at the Public Market. Go-Fund-Me campaigns have been set up for Shumi Ramen and Poke Go. Each one has raised more than $8,000 to help support their businesses recover. Several elementary schools, youth sports teams, and community groups have posted signs of support outside the market’s green privacy fence.
CVSan Independence Day Schedule
Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Please call (510) 506-5821 for sewer emergencies. Visit
cvsan.org for more information regarding CVSan services and programs. Recycling, organics, and garbage collection services will occur on Thursday, July 4th as scheduled by Alameda
•
• We emphasize spirituality more than
•
• Everyone is welcome.
We are now livestreaming and meeting in person at
County Industries (ACI). Please call ACI at (510) 483-1400 with billing and customer service questions or visit: alamedacountyindustries. com/CVSan.
Sunday, June 30: At 2:07 a.m., two men were arrested following a traffic stop on Anita Avenue near the Boulevard. The driver, a 22-year-old man, was charged with suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving with blood-alcohol content over the legal limit as well as resisting arrest. The passenger, a 39-year-old man, was charged with resisting arrest. Deputies took both men into custody.
Village Shoplifter Caught Saturday, June 29: At 1:14 p.m., deputies arrested a 33-yearold CV man on suspicion of shoplifting from a store in the Village Shopping Center. The man was detained by store security after leaving with unpaid merchandise. Deputies took the man into custody.
Public Intoxication
Friday, June 28: At 7:48 a.m., a 53-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. Deputies responded to a call
Saturday, June 29: At 8:26 p.m., deputies arrested a 55-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing stolen property, failing to register as a sex offender, and failing to register as a transient with authorities. The man was stopped at Middleton Avenue and Lake Chabot Road intersection and taken into custody.
Thursday, June 27: at 5:55 a.m., three people from Castro Valley were arrested following a traffic stop on Anita Avenue near Castro Valley Boulevard. Deputies arrested a 47-year-old man for violating the terms of his parole and possession of illegal tear gas and burglar tools. A 40-year-old woman was charged with driving a stolen vehicle, possessing illegal drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest. A 24-year-old woman was charged with possessing drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. Deputies took all three to Santa Rita Jail.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER
LAKE CHABOT RUNNER RESCUED: First responders rescued a 30-yearold woman on June 20, 2024, at around noon following a fall that resulted in a broken ankle. The woman had been running along trails in the back half of Lake Chabot Regional Park when she fell and broke her left ankle. A fellow runner was able to call in the emergency. Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) Engines 25 and 26 responded to the emergency along with the East Bay Regional Parks District Fire Department (EBRPD), the Oakland Fire Department (OFD), and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO). Crews transported the woman out of the park on a special gurney with a single mountain bike wheel that could handle the rough terrain.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• July 4th - Independence Day Holiday (CVSan Closed).
• July 9th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.
• July 11th - Community Advisory Committee Meeting.
• July 15th - O&E Building Project Committee Meeting.
• July 16th - Special Board Meeting.
• July 18th - Communications Committee Meeting.
• July 27th - CVSan Recycles Day Event; visit cvsan.org/RecyclesDay
• August 6th - Regular Board Meeting.
• August 12th - The Lateral Replacement Grant Program begins at 7:30 a.m. Questions? Call (510) 606-1300 or visit cvsan.org/LRGP
Please note the above event schedule is subject to change. All CVSan Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. For complete meeting details and information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org.
DC: “So Exciting to See the Work I Did
30 Years Ago Will Live on for Eternity”
continued from front page website at www.loc.gov.
“As a 13-year-old kid, before Classic Rock was even a genre, I used to listen to Ben Manilla’s radio show ‘Flashback,’ where older hits were mixed with real ads and news from the time. Little did I know he would become my first boss!”
After community college in Fresno, he transferred to San Francisco State, served internships with KNBR and Ben Manilla Productions in the city, and then got a job with Manilla’s company.
“It was a great first job,” he said. “I got to listen to new CDs, listen to live tapes to get rid of profanities that couldn’t be broadcast, and eventually got to interview musicians. As time went on, I was able to produce shows and help choose the musicians.”
CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT
CVSan Office: (510) 537-0757
Sewer Emergencies: (510) 506-5821
Effective Environmental Services since 1939 | cvsan.org CVSAN.ORG/DC
Sharkey said that before the shows were broadcast, his questions would be edited out and replaced by live music segments while keeping the musician’s responses. However, he added that both the full archived version and the broadcast version will be available on the Library of Congress website.
In 1999, Sharkey founded Big Toe Productions, which does audio recording, followed by the Castro Valley School of Music, which now has 30
teachers and 350 students, in 2013. Both are located at 21060 Redwood Road.
He was thrilled to bring all three of his children to the library event, the first time any of them had been to Washington, DC.
“It’s so exciting to see the work I did 30 years ago will live on for eternity. It’s a bit like a time machine for me,” Sharkey said. “I come back now and look at my 22-year-old self and see all the questions that I asked wrong at the time.”
UCBPAC: Next Meeting in September
continued from front page
According to the report, the county “continues to eliminate gaps in the existing network and improve bicycle and pedestrian connections to transit, schools, parks/trails, retail and employment centers, community/senior centers, and libraries.”
Alameda County Community Development Agency spokesperson Ali Abbors said the CCAP and Safety Elements have had extensive public input, including hosting two open workshops and four Climate Action Team Meetings. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to get the final report later this summer.
UCBPAC Member Bruce Dughi said he was a bit flustered that the report was vague on the community’s next steps and recommended some action items.
“We had a discussion on how to get decision-makers to follow the Climate Action
Plan since the last version was soundly ignored,” Dughi told the Forum. “Ali suggested more public outreach with frequent progress reviews. I suggested taking action and repairing washed-out roads due to heavy rains, which totaled $11 million of extra expense for the 2017 storms alone, including A Street, Redwood Road, Tesla, Palomares Road, and the Vallecitos Bridge.
In a letter to the Board of Supervisors, Roy Taylor said the county must Increase and improve access to walking and bicycling throughout the unincorporated parts of the county, including incentives to promote bike and/or scooter sharing.
“Rather than dismiss the bike lanes, let’s try them since Alameda County Planning staff have identified the bicycle and pedestrian network as the highest priority Climate Action for greenhouse gas reduction and resiliency,” Taylor told the
Forum. “I see middle-aged people on scooters and e-bikes cruising up/down Santa Maria. Bike lanes are especially important in Castro Valley since we have a BART station, which massively extends the range of a cyclist.”
Alameda County’s connected bike and pedestrian plan is a projected 400-mile network of walkways and bikeways that overlaps with existing streets like East 14th, Hesperian Boulevard, and San Leandro Boulevard. It also includes well-traveled paths such as Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road in Castro Valley. The network includes the existing Bay Trail along the shoreline and the proposed East Bay Greenway, a plan to convert 10.6 miles of Union Pacific Oakland Subdivision tracks near BART lines into a walkable and bikeable path between Oakland and Hayward. The Next UCBPAC Meeting is Thursday, September 26.
Shane Sharkey, audio producer and owner of the Castro Valley School of Music, stands in front of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Remember Those Who Have Made Our Freedom Possible
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
September 14th, 1814, saw an American lawyer, Francis Scott Key, aboard a British warship securing the release of William Beanes, a local physician. Key observed British attempts to destroy Fort McHenry in Baltimore’s harbor. To avoid the fort’s substantial batteries, the
ships remained a distance out and, despite multiple British warships firing between 1,500-1,800 bomb shells and 700 rockets, the fort stood its ground.
During the battle, a large garrison Stars and Stripes (15 stars and 15 stripes) measuring 30 by 42 feet was raised in defiance of the British bombardment. Looking at this soaring symbol of America’s freedom,
Francis Scott Key penned the poem that became our National Anthem in 1931.
O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?
And the Rockets’ red glare, the Bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there; O! say does that star-spangled Banner yet wave, O’er the Land of the free and the home of the brave?
This July 4th we will celebrate our 248th year of freedom. While the national holiday is celebrated with fireworks and barbecues, we must
remember the valiant soldiers who fought through harrowing situations to
best the greatest military might on the planet.
We must also remember
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continues to trend down, hitting the lowest level in almost three months. By historical standards, the economy is in good shape, and we expect rates to continue to come down over the summer months, bringing additional homebuyers back into the market.
Sewer inspection/certification
• Sewage ejector system
• Tankless water heater new, repair and annual service
• Trenchless sewer replacement and repairs
• Sewer compliance testing
that our freedoms continue because of the dedication of our American armed forces daily striving to preserve what so many take for granted. I am proud two of my children served in the armed forces; a daughter in the navy and a son in the army. While celebrating the 4th a few years ago, our daughter called from an aircraft carrier on the other side of the world. When asked if they were setting off fireworks, she responded, “Dad – please. We’re firing rockets!”
It is also important to remember that many veterans face extreme difficulty in securing a piece of the American dream for which they faithfully served. Homeownership, especially in regions such as the Bay Area, can be almost impossible for those who gave up prime years of their lives serving on our behalf.
Remember, this 4th, of those who have served. Together, let us strive to secure solutions for veteran home ownership so that the American dream is available to all.
Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.
Check Thickness of Bark Layer; Bearded Iris Never Goes Dormant
By Buzz Bertolero
The Dirt Gardener
QFor weed control, I’ve laid a layer of decorative bark over landscape fabric. After four days, I was very surprised to find weeds growing right through the material. How do I get rid of the weeds? What should I do to prevent this from happening again?
ATo be effective for weed control, the bark or any other type of mulch should be at least two to three inches thick, depending on the particle size. The larger the material, the thicker the layer.
The combination of the fabric and the mulch prevents light from reaching the soil. Without a light source, the dormant weed seeds can’t germinate.
In the past, black plastic was used; however, it did not allow soil to breathe. Moisture was trapped year-round and plants suffered from root rot from the excessive moisture.
In your situation, I suspect that the bark layer wasn’t thick enough; hence, the weeds were able to germinate.
To correct the current situation, I’d spray the unwanted vegetation with Round Up or any similar herbicide to kill the existing unwanted vegetation. These herbicides can be sprayed under desirable plants as long as the solution is kept off the foliage.
Once the weeds are dead,
I’d then thicken the mulch layer with additional bark. This should take care of the weeds for a couple of growing seasons, but it’s unrealalistic to think the problem is solved forever.
The landscape fabric prevents only those weed seeds from germinating that it covers. It isn’t effective controlling any seeds above the barrier.
Annual grasses and other plants produce seeds in the late spring, when they turn brown, and then the seeds are blown by the wind into new areas.
Also, keep in mind that bulk bark or any other mulch is stored in open bins and are more likely to have some weed seeds than mulch found in bags.
Over time, the bark and other organic mulches break
down and the particles become smaller and smaller. It then becomes a perfect medium for new seeds to sprout and grow.
Monterey Weed Impede is a pre-emergent herbicide that sets up a chemical barrier that kills the weed seeds and not the desirable plants above the barrier before they germinate. However, once the seeds germinate, it’s too late to apply.
To keep the area weed free, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and don’t cultivate the area; otherwise, the herbicide will have to be reapplied to reestablish the barrier.
QWhat should I do to my bearded irises that have bloomed?
Should I wait for the leaves to turn brown? Also, is it necessary to dig them up and
replant the tubers each year?
ABearded iris is an evergreen tuber that doesn’t go dormant. The leaves should not turn brown unless there is a problem.
After flowering, the spent flowers are cut off as close to the ground as possible. The plants are not dug up unless you’re dividing the clumps, which is in August and September.
Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. Send questions by email to dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive, Ste. “D,” Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ Buzz-Bertolero.
Mulch material should be at least two to three inches deep. The larger the material, the thicker the layer.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
FENCES/DECKS
*SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair, paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree trimming, topping or removal, garage cleaning & debris removal. Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427.
GARAGE SALES
GARAGE SALES
HUGE YARD SALE 7/4, 7/5 & 7/6, 9am-5pm. Antiques, collectibles, vintage & new tools, toys, art, sports items, old paper, records, oddities & tons more! 4183 Berdina Road, Castro Valley.
GARDENING
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Design - Construction - Maintenance. Cleanups, New Lawn, Artificial Grass, Irrigation, Patios, Pathways, Brick, Stone, Concrete Fence/ Decks. Free Estimates! Lic.#925130. 510-691-8852. www.beautygardenlandscaping.com
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JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
HAIR CUTTING
Free Haircut with hair donation for Wigs for Kids. Call Yumi for details!!! (510) 407-0436.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
NEIGHBORHOOD APPRECIATION DAYFLEAMARKET 7/6, 8am-2pm. Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene, 19230 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. 510-581-8377.
OSIsoft, LLC seeks Sr. Software Developer (San Leandro, CA) to execute large-scale features and initiatives with minimal support and guidance. REQS: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics or a related field, and 5 years of experience as a Software Developer or related occupation. Telecommuting: 50% Telecommuting. Rate of Pay: $163,571 - $221,000 per year. Applicants who are interested in this position should submit a complete resume in English toleticia.garcia@aveva.com, search [Sr. Software Developer/ Reference # GAL-SSD. EOE.].
Junior Accountant positions available in Berkeley, CA. Must have Bachelor’s in Accounting with 3-6 months training and/ or experience in accounting and tax preparation. Send resume to: MCG Management, Inc., 2855 Telegraph Ave, Ste 300, Berkeley, CA94705.
HOUSE CLEANING
JUST LIKE GRAMMA’S HOUSE CLEANING. Airbnb/ Senior SUMMER SPECIAL! Phenomenal Cleaning! Insured/ Bonded. Fatima 510978-6803.
MISC. FOR SALE
You can place a FREE “MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)
MISC. WANTED
WANTED -Reeltoreel music tapes. (If you gaave me the vacuum tubes please give me a call). Patrick 510-517-3351.
RENTALS
Great Price $1,995 Castro Valley 2 Bed | 1 Bath 850 sq ft, Family Room, kitchen, Stove, Fridge. Garbage and Water paid. Need First month rent + Damage Deposit $1,000 Call Cindy 408 230-6105.
RENTALS/RV SPACES
San Leandro cozy room, conveniently located, modern apt, off street parking, WIFI, many amenities. $800. Pam 415-960-8516.
RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $950/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
TREE SERVICE
*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE. Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.
Seniors
Brain: Don’t Ignore Signs, Symptoms
New Law: Preserving Benefits for A Special Needs Child in Divorce
A: Q:
Our daughter is going through a divorce. She has a 24 year old son (our Grandson) who has a disability and gets both SSI and Medi-Cal. She plans to seek child support from the father. We worry that the child support will reduce our Grandson’s SSI and possibly eliminate his Medi-Cal. Is there a way around this?
By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
entitles him to Medi-Cal without a copay (“share of cost”).
But it gets more complicated in the divorce process.
many judges and attorneys are unfamiliar with it and, until now, some judges are of the view that they cannot order Child Support payable to any kind of trust.
Good news! Just this month, Governor Newsom signed legislation clarifying the matter. The new law (AB 2397), was introduced by Assembly Member Maienschein and amends Family Code § 3910. In relevant part, it provides simply as follows:
continued from page 2 avoid injuries. Lifestyle choices such as moderating weight, managing diabetes if you have it, reducing alcohol intake, and stopping smoking are also recommended. Some environmental factors such as air pollution have also been linked to higher cases of Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Ignoring the signs or symptoms may also have longstanding negative impacts.
equipped to deal with chronic diseases more generally, not just Alzheimer’s,” Dr. Lee says.
“We’re facing growing diseases of aging, as people live longer.”
“We’re widely understaffed for caring for people at home, and the U.S. is not well
“We’re all waiting for a cure, but people are suffering now,” Lee said.
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Yes, indeed! Very few attorneys or judges are familiar with the work-around for this concern, which involves the use of a Special Needs Trusts (“SNT”). As a result, the sad fact is that many children with a disability who receive SSI and Medi-Cal see their benefits reduced or eliminated when their parents divorce. A bit of background: To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), your Grandson with a disability must meet two financial conditions: He must (a) have less than $2,000 in non-exempt resources in his own name (e.g., savings), and (b) his monthly income must be less than the SSI benefit rate, currently $1,182.94 per month if living independently or $873.87 if living in his mother’s home (in 2024). An award of SSI also
For an adult child, if he is “incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means”, then his parents’ duty to support him continues into adulthood under California law. However, any court-ordered Child Support (“CS”) that he receives would—unless special arrangements are made as described below -- be treated as “unearned income” to him and offset his SSI dollar-for-dollar, reducing or eliminating it entirely.
The question, then, is whether there is a way to preserve both his right to SSI and his right to Child Support.?
Answer: YES! Enter the Special Needs Trust (“SNT”). With professional guidance, your daughter could create a SNT for her adult son and, through her attorney, ask the court to “irrevocably assign” the payment of CS to the SNT. If structured properly, under SSI rules there would then be no offset to his SSI ! Your Grandson would then receive (1) Full Child Support, (2) SSI without offset, and (3) Medi-Cal without a Share of Cost. While this strategy has been available for some time,
“The court may order that a support payment be paid to a special needs trust” The law becomes effective on January 1, 2025, and will give the courts explicit authority to assign child support for children with disabilities to a SNT so that they do not risk losing their SSI benefits.
The SNT would be managed by a Trustee, which could be your daughter, who would then handle the funds in a manner compliant with the SSI and Medi-Cal rules. This typically would mean that, as Trustee, she would not disburse funds directly to your Grandson, himself, but instead would use them to pay third party providers directly for goods and services provided to him, such as a tutor, computer, clothing, etc.
The use of an SNT may also be used to shelter support for a minor child who receives SSI (although the offset calculations are a bit different), as well as to shelter Spousal Support for a spouse going through divorce.
To make this option work, it is essential that your daughter engage an Elder Law or Special Needs attorney familiar with the use of the SNT in the divorce context. The SNT attorney would then work with her divorce attorney to create the proper SNT, and might even help educate the judge and opposing counsel to the benefits of this technique. In this regard, our firm has developed a special interest in these cases, and the results have been very rewarding and usually recognized as a “win-win” by all parties before the court.
Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 25 years with Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate, Medi-Cal Planning, and related matters. To contact his office, send an email to Gene@LawyerForSeniors.com or call (510) 247-2555.
Senior couple taking care of each other in sickness and in health.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAISER PERMANENTE
My Thoughts on the Debate
Dear Editor,
Regarding the Biden/Trump debate, I agree that Biden did not perform well. However, I disagree with the “the sky is falling, abandon ship!” critics. Biden is old, but still capable. Trump is also old, but evil and destructive. The fact that nearly half the country is willing to vote for a convicted felon is alarming. Biden should win. After that, he can resign and let Kamala Harris (who would be the first female and woman of color president) finish his term. If on the other hand, Trump wins, then we will deserve the chaos and horror he will bring to the office. Almost 100 years ago, Mussolini and Hitler came to despotic power. It did not end well for either of them. Can we learn from history?
– Richard Ackerman, Castro Valley
Mercy Brown Bag Program for Seniors
The Hayward Area Senior Center is excited to partner with the Mercy Brown Bag Program and provide local seniors with groceries twice a month, free of charge. Distribution days are every first Tuesday of the month, starting on July 2, 2024, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. You can pre-register on Wednesdays by coming in to the Senior Center (22325 North 3rd Street, Hayward) anytime between 1 to 2 pm and complete an
in-person registration form. Each recipient is eligible for two bags per calendar month and is limited to two bags per household. Please bring a valid government ID to register. We recommend bringing a cart to carry your items as each bag weighs approximately 20lbs. Additional requirements: Must be 60+ years old; Must live in Alameda County; Must qualify as low-income by federal guidelines. For questions, contact calj@haywardrec.org.
Integrating Neuro-Affirming Learning
By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
As we enjoy our summer and plan extra-curricular activities for our kids, let’s discuss building learning environments that accommodate learning differences and help all our children thrive.
Studies regularly show that children (and adults) need to feel psychologically safe in their setting before settling into learning. Building that sense of safety can include multiple factors that facilitators should consider.
Integrating neuro-affirming environments into summer activities doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips when finding a fun learning program for your child this
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Steve Donald Irwin
1965
summer. Feel free to share these tips with your summer programs or keep them in your back pocket as you
plan your summer fun.
Some children may be sensitive to bright light, new places, or loud music. Keeping the setting calm and neutral as children arrive helps them transition and regulate into the new environment.
Utilize visuals, when possible, to support your communication. Children may be distracted when you provide instructions, so offering visuals that orient them to your message will help them stay engaged.
Offer choices and flexibility to interact with learning material. The ability to make choices increases a child’s sense of control and comfort in relation to their environment. Choices can be made fun, but it is important to offer a relatively limited selection of options that are both safe and without unnecessary complexity. If choices are too broad, it may create difficulty and confusion.
Make space for self-stimming behaviors such as repetitive verbal statements, a child talking to themself, rocking, flapping hands, or other motions. These behaviors may be a part of who the individual is and can serve as self-soothing or coping strategies to help keep them comfortable or
focused in the moment. Consider disruption to others and dedicate space in advance that the child may access if needed. Introduce rules during the first day and review them regularly. Make these rules visually available during each class (such as on a poster) to remind students to set expectations and build boundaries. Keep the rules simple and easy to understand.
Having a routine or a flow that children can become familiar with builds practicability. This is an important factor in retaining student attendance. If a child knows what to expect and has positive interactions during the class, they are more likely to return to that experience.
see SANGHA on back page
Thomas E. Hallman
April 09, 1941 ~ May 25, 2024
Tom, also know as T-Bone to family and friends, was born to Edward and Maryellen Hallman. He was raised in Castro Valley, CA. He served in the US Army and after an honorable discharge he attended Cal State University, Hayward receiving his Bachelors degree in 1969 then finished at the University of San Francisco with a teaching degree. He specialized in special education and went on to work at Bay School in the San Lorenzo School District working with physically and mentally challenged kids in grade school. He loved his kids and enjoyed helping those with very special needs. He was one of the first in his field to use augmentative devices to give a voice to those who could not speak!
Tom was a positive force meeting up with other teachers from the Castro Valley and Hayward School District along with Chabot College. He joined in with a new philosophy in giving opportunities for independence by working with the other teachers and volunteers to take the kids on camping trips to Camp Harmony in Santa Cruz also working on academics and independence.
He Tapped into the Recreation Department where some of his kids that participated in the summer months in a camping program called Ward Creek Day Camp so they would not be sitting at home. He was instrumental in sponsoring a student in the Recreation Department by getting him a eye exam and new glasses He did things to make the world a better, kinder place for his students giving them opportunities to live their lives while being independent and comfortable in their own skins.
T-Bone was very into cars. He loved old cars and being a part of his car club, the Danville Dukes! He spent time at car shows and had some beautiful cars. Some of his favorite cars were a 1966 Chevy El Camino and a 1934 Roadster! After he retired, he spent many of his mornings meeting with all his special friends at Dale’s Cafe for breakfast.
with a gathering
On June 19, 2024 the Lord took Steve Donald Irwin into his care after a battle with complications of a stroke. Steve was a beloved husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather and friend. Survived by wife of 34 years Charlotte, siblings Jeff and Kerry Lamm, sister Linda DaValle, step children Chris and Kyle Irwin, Kym Zimmer, grand children Tyler Irwin, Adalyn and Nolan Zimmer, Alexis and Mason Irwin. Steve was a unique person who was retired from his antique business but never lost his love of restoring antiques, motorcycles, vintage cars and furniture. Steve will be honored on July 20th at Heritage Park 12 noon in the Old St Raymond church 6600 Donlon Way in
Tom is survived by his life partner, Barbara Woodward, cousins Debbie Vennekotter and her husband Mike, and Debbie’s children Lucas and Buck Hill. He was loved by his family and we cannot say enough about Tom - he’ll be missed by so very many. Yes! Tom Hallman was meant to be on this earth he made a difference in so many peoples lives. He loved the Lord and is walking in the streets of gold with all his friends, students and family in heaven. Well done good and faithful servant!
Whether or not you can make Tom’s Celebration of Life, please feel free to email your memories and notes to mobilelegaldocs@gmail.com. They will be shared at his Celebration and posted to family. If former student or parent, please include maiden name if applicable, and what your relationship was with Tom.
Tom’s Celebration of Life will be held at his home on July 13 from 12-5 pm. Please call 510.537.0052 for more information and instructions. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Thomas Hallman’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Animal Rescue Foundation or a similar charity of your choice. Thank you for thinking about Tom. He will be making a lot of friends and driving his favorite cars in Heaven. See obituary online also at Legacy.com
Dublin
afterwards in the restored barn.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Tournament winners: The Bocce Brothers
Castro Valley Bocce Group
Our Athletes of the Week are The Castro Valley Bocce Group, which hosted its annual Ken Martin Memorial Bocce Tournament at Adobe Park in Castro Valley on Saturday, June. The event was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
The record-setting $5,717 raised during the event will benefit the George Mark Children’s House (https://georgemark.org/), which focuses on quality of life and conti-
nuity of care for children with illnesses that modern healthcare cannot yet cure, or for those who have complex, chronic medical conditions.
Unfortunately, Ken Martin’s wife Patty passed away earlier this year, but Ken Martin’s children represented Ken and Patty and were crucial to the success of the event. Nine teams participated in the full day event.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CV Bocce Group
Sangha: Create Opportunities for Fun
continued from page 11
A Cultural Immersion: RCHS Mission to Ponce, Puerto Rico
From May 25 to June 2, Redwood Christian High School embarked on a Latin mission trip offered to students taking the Spanish language course. The trip provided the students with invaluable experiences in cultural immersion, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and the practical application of their Spanish language skills.
Ethan Chen (9th grade ), Samuel Chen (11th), Landon Devoe-Krowicki (10th), Ace Gallarzan (11th), Tayler Leftridge (11th), Micaiah Leyva (11th), Cielo Magaña (11th) and Jonathan Murray (12th) as well as supervisors Spanish Teacher, Dr. Irma Mora, and High School Principal Mr. Justin Redemer took part in the service project.
Learning occurs at its own speed. If we push too hard or fast, we may emotionally damage the learner and break their trust. When we build on each child’s natural talents and individual strengths, we allow them to be in the driver’s seat of their own expansion and flourish fully. Lastly, create opportunities for fun moments where it’s safe to take risks, be open to new teaching methods, and embrace brain-based differences.
Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a board-certified Behavior Ana-
lyst who lives in Castro Valley. Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote mental wellbeing. For more info, visit: www.behaviorpivot.com
The mission trip to Ponce, Puerto Rico, was a great experience for the students as they worked under extreme heat, rebuilding a roof and ramp for a woman whose property was severely damaged during recent hurricanes. The students bonded through cultural immersion, using their God-given skills and the Spanish language to communicate and serve effectively. Mr. Redemer and Dr. Mora were extremely proud of this group for their dedication, love for people, and willingness to embrace their calling to serve others.
Dr. Mora reflected “This trip surpassed last year’s experience. Thankfully, we encountered no issues whatsoever. And more importantly, Mr.
incredibly hard and returned
transformed, showing remarkable growth in leadership, teamwork, and resilience.” A return trip is planned to Ponce, Puerto Rico again next year.
2024 Ken Martin Memorial Bocce
Redemer (RCHS Principal Justin Redemer) survived—lol!
We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve others in a greater capacity. Our students worked
Redwood Christian High School students on mission trip in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. IRMA MORA